Turning my teaching dream into reality: My Secondary PGCE experience

Here at the University of Huddersfield, our Teacher Training courses are designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge and practical experience they need to thrive in the classroom. In this blog, Amrita tells us how the Secondary Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) provided her with the perfect blend of academic training and hands-on experience, guiding her from the journey of teacher training to her current role as a teacher in the UAE. She shares valuable insights into her journey, including the support she received, the lessons she learned, and the advice she would give to future teacher trainees.

 

Why did you decide to study the Secondary English PGCE? 

Becoming a teacher has always been a dream of mine. After completing my undergraduate degree in India, I started exploring ways to turn my dream into reality. My academic background is a bit unique—I majored in Law and minored in English. While this combination gave me a strong foundation, I realised that pursuing teaching qualifications in my home country, India, would require two to three years of study, followed by the process of finding a teaching position.

During my search, I came across the PGCE, and it immediately caught my attention. The PGCE offered a clear, structured path to becoming a qualified teacher in just 12 months. It provides comprehensive training, practical school experience, and, most importantly, Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This combination of theoretical and hands-on learning is what convinced me that the PGCE was the best choice for me.

What made you study this course at Huddersfield? 

I chose the University of Huddersfield for my Secondary PGCE because of its outstanding reputation. The School of Education is highly regarded, and the university’s recognition of its Gold Award in the Teaching Excellence Framework, made it stand out as an ideal place to pursue my teaching qualifications.

 

Knowing that I would receive high-quality training from a well-respected institution was a key factor in my decision".

What did you think of the campus and how did you find the facilities available?

On my first day at the university, I was struck by how beautiful and nature-friendly the campus is, with its well-maintained spaces - the facilities exceeded my expectations.

Student Common Rooms

The student common rooms provided everything from fridges and microwaves to books and games. It was clear that the university prioritises creating a supportive and engaging environment for its students. These little touches made my experience even more enjoyable and memorable.

Library 

The library is well-equipped with a wide range of resources. Whenever I needed specific books, I could easily find them, and if they weren’t available, the university website made it simple to check availability and reserve them.

Gym

The gym is well-maintained and equipped and has separate facilities for both ladies and gents, which is a great feature.

Activities Available for International Students 

The University of Huddersfield offers a range of activities and support specifically designed for international students, which really helped me feel at home.

One of the most valuable resources was the student societies, such as the Indian Society and East Asian Society, which I was fortunate to be a part of. These societies were not only a great way to connect with people from similar backgrounds, but they also created a strong support network. If I ever had a question or needed help with something, I could simply message the group, and someone was always there to assist.

In addition to the support network, the societies organised events that celebrated cultural traditions and festivals. Being away from home, I would often miss certain celebrations, but thanks to the societies, there were opportunities to join in on festive activities.

For instance, the Indian Society hosted celebrations for Diwali and Navratri, allowing us to enjoy traditional foods, music, and dancing. These events were a wonderful way to stay connected to our cultural roots while also sharing the experience with others.

How did you find the support provided by your tutors?

The support I received from my tutors was exceptional, and it played a crucial role in my successful completion of the course.

I was mentored by a fantastic team of tutors who went above and beyond to help me throughout my studies. Julian, my subject tutor, was incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. He always made sure I had the resources I needed and provided clear guidance throughout the course.

Additionally, Paul, who was my pastoral support, was a tremendous help whenever I faced personal challenges. There were moments when I felt emotionally down, and having someone like Paul to talk to made a huge difference. He was always ready to listen and offer support, checking in with me regularly to ensure everything was okay and that I was coping well with the pressures of the course.

I also felt that the university put a lot of thought into my placements, especially as an international student. They took extra care to ensure I was placed in environments where I would thrive, and they checked in regularly to make sure I was settling in well.

Additionally, Carly, one of my tutors, was an incredible source of support. Even after the course ended, she continued to assist me with paperwork and job-related queries as I began my career. Her willingness to help, even post-graduation, was something I truly appreciated.

Lastly, Sarah, the first person I met when I arrived at the university, was wonderful. She introduced me to the course and the university, and when I had concerns about navigating the school system as an international student, she took the time to explain everything to me in detail, even though it wasn’t part of her formal responsibilities.

Overall, the support from my tutors was outstanding, and it made a huge difference to my experience at Huddersfield. I always felt that my well-being and success were important to them, and their continuous encouragement helped me navigate the challenges of being an international student.

 

There was also a really supportive and collaborative atmosphere among my peers. I felt really lucky to be part of a group where everyone was eager to help each other. If I faced any challenges or was unsure about something, there was always someone willing to offer assistance".

Please can you tell us about your placements?

My placements during the PGCE course were invaluable in shaping my teaching skills and enhancing my confidence. They were an essential part of my training, giving me the practical experience and support I needed to become an effective teacher. The university ensured that we received excellent support, with a personal mentor assigned to guide us throughout, as well as host teachers in the classroom who were there to assist with day-to-day teaching.

1. My first placement was in a school with relatively few behaviour issues, which allowed me to focus on developing my teaching techniques and building my teacher persona. This short placement was a great introduction to the classroom environment and helped me refine my approach to delivering lessons.
2. My second placement involved a school with more challenging behaviour, which was an excellent opportunity for me to develop my behaviour management skills. I was able to put into practice strategies to manage classroom dynamics and create a more effective learning environment.

I taught students from Year 7 up to Year 10 and although I did not teach Year 11 students as a trainee, I did have the opportunity to support them in smaller groups, helping them with their writing and individual work.

Can you tell us about your current role?

I am currently working as a teacher at Yasmina British Academy in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It's a British overseas-registered school, which was a key factor in my decision to join, as it allows me to pursue my Early Career Teacher (ECT) qualification. I’ll be starting my ECT 1 in January 2025, which is a crucial step towards securing my Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

I teach English from Year 7 to Year 11, and I also support Year 12 students in their A-level studies.

What advice would you give to other students looking to train to be a teacher? 

My advice for anyone looking to train to be a teacher is to not be scared. Teacher training, especially the PGCE, can be intense and overwhelming at times, but it is absolutely worth it. There will be moments when you feel like you can’t do it but know that you will get through it, and by the end, you will feel proud of yourself.

Another key piece of advice I would say is to ask for help when you need it. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure, reach out to your tutors, mentors, or classmates. At Huddersfield, I learned that if you ask for help, you’ll always get it. It’s important to remember that no one will know you’re struggling unless you speak up, so don’t hesitate to seek support.

Also, I highly recommend familiarising yourself with safeguarding principles before you begin your teacher training. Safeguarding is a top priority in education, and as a teacher, you need to understand the basics of safeguarding to ensure the safety and well-being of your students.

 

I would definitely recommend the University of Huddersfield as a place to complete your PGCE - it’s a great place to study and offers strong support throughout your training".

 

Find out more about our Secondary PGCE courses - https://www.hud.ac.uk/the-university/teacher-training/secondary-education/